Concrete Patio Designs - Let's Make them ExcitingConcrete patio designs do not have to be boring. There are way to make it very attractive. Here are a couple of concrete patio ideas. One of the things you can do to make an interesting concrete patio is to add color to the concrete. The other is to create a geometric pattern. This is different than stamped concrete.
Colored Concrete Patios Although there are various methods of adding color to concrete, the most long lasting way is to add the color right into the concrete mixture before it is poured. I had a client once who stained his concrete pool decking, and in no time the color was coming off! So don't do it this way. You can select from many colors, although keeping them soft and natural will look best for the concrete decorative patio or pool paving. For example, colors such as light to medium gray, beige and even soft peach are nice choices. I once worked on a project where we used a combination of a very quiet peach and Tennessee Crab Orchard stone...this was a great color blend. The natural stone added to the cost and was more than just using concrete, but if something like this is within your budget, you might consider it. It's a nice compromise! When the color is added to the concrete mixture it will be streak free, long lasting and non-fading. Acid based stains are another interesting way to color concrete, as you can see in this concrete patio design (2nd photo). The color is variegated and translucent. It gives an aged look, with shades of color similar to natural stone. The process can be tricky, so an experienced professional should be used. Concrete Patio Designs & Patterns An attractive patio design can be made by creating a pattern of squares. The geometry is created by scoring the concrete. Squares can be created in various sizes. Eighteen inch to twenty four inch squares are a good place to start as considerations. One of the advantages of this method, is that construction joints, which keep concrete from cracking, are blended into the scoring pattern. They are not visible. This concrete patio design process works well on hardscape that has a large expanse of concrete, such as patios or swimming pool decking. You might lay the concrete pattern straight or you might give it even more interest by laying it on the diagonal.
This lovely concrete patio was designed by Thomas Church.
Other Concrete Pages: Concrete Patio Pictures Concrete Walkway Pictures Stamped Concrete Driveways Stamped concrete is another patio material that can be used to create a concrete decorative patio. However, I stay away from this method. Most people find this attractive because there are many patterns available that look like natural stone. The problem is the construction joints. If you have a natural stone pattern, you will see a straight line (construction joint) going through the paving. It's very unattractive. Concrete is one of the less expensive paving materials. When used, a project can be very attractive if some of the above methods are incorporated to give the patio or pool decking some spice!
Questions About Concrete Patios?
Do you have a question about a concrete patio that you need some help with? Here is the place to ask! The more information you can give, the better I can answer. And photos are a great help too! Other Visitors' Questions and AnswersClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Elevated Concrete Patio
We have an elevated concrete patio that is 3 steps down from the family room door. New concrete slab step I recently added a screened porch to my house and also had an old cracked concrete slab replaced. Unfortunately, I now have a 7 inch drop from the slab ... Concrete Patio Settling Fix Is there a concrete patio settling fix that can be done? I have a large raised stamped concrete patio (about 30 feet by 35 feet. It is divided into 8 ... laying travertine pavers over concrete patio and extending Can I lay travertine pavers dry on top of concrete by laying a layer of sand and a solid perimeter and maybe cut out a drop in drain?...I have a pad and ...
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